Gravel Calculator — Tons, Cubic Yards & Cost

How to use this gravel calculator

Enter the length and width of your area in feet, the depth in inches, and pick your gravel type. The calculator returns four numbers: tons (how gravel is ordered and delivered), cubic yards (alternative ordering unit), cubic feet (for small projects), and an estimated cost range based on typical US pricing.

Different gravel types have different densities, which is why choosing the right type matters for an accurate tonnage estimate:

• Standard gravel / #57 crushed stone: ~1.5 tons per cubic yard
• Pea gravel: ~1.4 tons per cubic yard
• River rock: ~1.55 tons per cubic yard
• Crushed stone fines: ~1.6 tons per cubic yard

Gravel depth guidelines for common projects

• Residential driveway: 4–6 inches total (2 inches base + 2–4 inches top layer ideal)
• Driveway base layer: 4 inches of #3 or #4 large crushed stone
• Driveway top layer: 2 inches of #57 or decorative gravel
• Walking paths: 2–3 inches
• French drain / drainage trench: 4–6 inches
• Paver base preparation: 4 inches of compacted crushed stone
• Shed or outbuilding foundation: 6 inches compacted

For driveways specifically, cutting corners on depth is the #1 reason gravel driveways fail. 4 inches minimum over compacted subsoil; 6 inches if you have clay soil or heavy vehicles.

Choosing the right gravel type

Crushed stone (#57) is the all-around workhorse. Sharp angular edges lock together when compacted, making it the best choice for driveways, base layers under pavers, and drainage. About $30–$50 per ton delivered in most US markets.

Pea gravel is rounded, smooth stones about 3/8 inch in size. Pretty for walkways and patios, but it rolls underfoot and doesn't compact — which means it migrates over time and isn't suitable for driveways where vehicles turn. Typically $30–$55 per ton.

River rock is larger, smooth, decorative stones (1–3+ inches). Best for landscape accents, dry creek beds, and around drainage features. Not a traffic surface. Premium decorative river rock can reach $100+ per ton.

Crushed concrete or recycled asphalt — budget alternative for driveways, typically $10–$25 per ton. Looks rougher but compacts well and drains beautifully.

How much does a ton of gravel cover?

At 2 inches depth, 1 ton of standard crushed stone covers about 80–100 sq ft. At 4 inches depth, coverage drops to 40–50 sq ft. At 6 inches, roughly 27–35 sq ft.

Our calculator reverses this math automatically — input your area and target depth, get the tonnage directly, including waste factor for settling.

Cost breakdown for a typical gravel driveway

Let's run the numbers on a standard 20 × 30 foot driveway (600 sq ft) at 4 inches depth:

• Volume: 7.4 cubic yards (about 11.1 tons of standard gravel)
• Material cost: $330–$830 depending on gravel type
• Delivery fee: $50–$200 depending on distance and order size
• Installation labor (if hiring): $500–$1,500 for grading and spreading
• Total DIY: $400–$1,000
• Total professional install: $900–$2,500

Bulk delivery orders of 10+ tons often get reduced or waived delivery fees. Always call 2–3 local suppliers for quotes — prices vary more than you'd think within the same zip code.

Pro tips from the job site

• Always order 10–15% extra for settling, spread loss, and uneven grading
• Compact in layers if you're going deeper than 3 inches — one heavy pass per 2 inches of depth
• Install landscape fabric first under the gravel to block weeds and prevent stones from sinking into soil
• Use edging (steel, composite, or treated lumber) to keep gravel contained and maintain a clean look
• Call 811 before digging — free service to locate underground utilities